THE police force covering Wyre Forest has stressed too many people were still drink driving after announcing the number of people caught during the festive period remained about the same as the previous year.

West Mercia Constabulary concentrated on the issue throughout last month as part of its Operation Christmas Presence crackdown.

A total of 2,639 drivers were breathalysed across the force area, which includes Worcestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford.

Of drivers stopped, 276 failed to provide positive tests and 33 people were found to be under the influence of alcohol following a collision. Another 34 people were arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.

Sgt John Roberts, of the force's operations department, explained this year's figures were collected over a month instead of the usual two weeks but explained the numbers appeared to be the same.

He said: "There are still too many drivers ignoring the devastating consequences drinking and driving can have for them, their family and friends, as well as for other road users.

"The 276 people arrested during the campaign can look forward to the new year with a driving ban for at least 12 months, fines of up to £5,000 and even the possibility of up to six months imprisonment."